Jenny Austin of OR DIE TRYING, chatted with fellow Elon Alum, Grace Baldridge, about her experience as a comic in Los Angeles.
Name: Grace Baldridge
Field of Industry/Company/Job Title: Co-Host of Pop Trigger, an Entertainment Talk Show on The Young Turks network.
Favorite Film: Amélie
ODT: Are you from Los Angeles originally?
GB: I'm from Waterloo, Belgium.
ODT: Tell us about the moment you decided to move to Los Angeles.
GB: I knew that wherever I ended up wouldn't be "home", that was never an option. It made it easier to just rip off the bandaid and move.
ODT: Why have you pursued a career in the film industry?
GB: I tried working in offices but it never worked out. I would have anxiety attacks when I wasn't allowing myself to pursue my creative passions. When I finally quit my desk job it was such a relief. I knew that this was my path.
ODT: How did you get into the film industry?
GB: I got my job at Pop Trigger through a friend who had seen me do standup. I came on the show as a guest contributor a few times before they offered me a full time position. I didn't even know they were looking for a third host.
ODT: Any memorable moments in your journey?
GB: I got recognized in London while I was visiting some friends. I thought I was being mugged. I'm smooth like that. Another happy memory is my Mom seeing me perform at The Comedy Store for the first time.
ODT: What do you love most about the film industry?
GB: I love the people and I love the freedom. I can work my ass off for three days and then disappear with my dog into the mountains for two days and I don't need to tell my boss.
ODT: What have been some of the more challenging moments about being a woman in the film industry?
GB: I'm gay and that sometimes makes things more complicated. I'm really just a grown up tomboy. I've been asked to put on more makeup or dress more feminine etc. I've been rocking black sports bras for years, a light pink blouse is a bad idea.
ODT: What motivates you? What dream(s) are you most fighting for?
GB: Just the joy of performing motivates me. Fully accepting that this is my life's journey has been so liberating and empowering. I would love to host my own late night talk show. I love where Stephen Colbert and Samantha Bee are taking late night television. But honestly all I really want is to make people laugh and one day have a house with a yard.
